My friendship with someone who has Alzheimer's and the way that we understand things

This past spring, myself and two of my friends traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Alzheimer's Association Policy Forum. While I was there, I saw a friend’s husband and he asked if I had seen his wife yet and I said no. Then he pointed to where she was sitting, but she had her back to me. I went over and lightly tapped her on the shoulder. We hugged each other because we were so happy to finally see each other. She has Alzheimer’s and we haven’t seen each other in over a year.

We talked for a short time, then she smiled and said to me, “Stay right here, while I quickly get some food.” I told her that I had just remembered that I left a notebook on another table and I wanted to go get it before I forgot where I left it. I told her, “you know how that goes, one minute you think of something and the next minute it is gone from your brain!” We both agreed and had a good laugh because both of us clearly understood this little joke. I know that she and I can share things that no one else can, so the bond that we have is very special.

If I hadn’t gotten the notebook when I thought of it, or saw it on another table, I probably would not have only forgotten where it was, but that I even brought it to this event. If I wanted to take notes at the forum, I might have remembered that I brought a notebook, but not where I lost it.

While my friend went to get some food, I grabbed my notebook and held onto it, so I wouldn’t leave it somewhere. Then we enjoyed some great conversation.